Washer-catching device for coin-controlled vending-machines.



A..D. GROVER & E. E. BARBER. WASHER C ATCHING DEVICE FOR COIN CONTROLLED VENDING MACHINES. APPLICATION'HLED ocr. 29. 1915.

1 l 92,30 l Patented July 25, 191.6.

ALBERT D. GROVER, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., AN D EARL E. BARBER, OF MALDEN, MASSA- CHUSETTS, ASSIGNORS TO AUTOSALES GUM & CHOCOLATE COMPANY, OF NEW YORK,

N'. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

WASHER-CATCHING DEVICE FOR 4.COIN-CON'IRC)LlldlD VENDING-MACHINES.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented July 25, 1916.

Original application led April 22, 191,3, Serial No. 762,810. Divided and this application filed October 29,

1915. Serial No. 58,544.

' To all wlw/m it may concern:

Be it known that we, ALBERT D. Gnovnn and EARL E. BARBER, citizens of the United States, `and residents, respectively. of New York, county and State of New York, and

lMalden, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in lVasher-Catching Devicesy for Coin-Controlled Vending-Machines, of which the following is a speciication.

This application is adivision of our copending application, Serial No. 7 62,810, filed April 22, 1913. Because 'of an oicial requirement for division made in said 'co-pendf ing application,l all claims yto the washercatching feature of our invention had to be canceled and presented in a separate application. Hence, the necessity for this divisional application, which is limited ltothe aforesaid washencatching feature The object of our invention asset forth in this vdivisional application is to provide means for preventing the operation of a coin-controlled machine when a washer or any perforated disk is deposited. i

Our invention is particularly7 applicable to vending machines of small dimensions,v such as are used in theaters, because the mechanism is exceedingly simple and occupies but very little space. i

In the accompanying drawings we have shown a preferred form of our invention applied to a 'twocompartment theater machine, although we would have it clearly understood that in its broad aspect our invention may be applied to various types and forms of coin-controlled machines.

IleSS.

'In the accompanying drawings Figure 1, is a front view of a coin-,controlled vending machine to which our new washer-catching mechanism is applied, certain of the partsl being broken away for' the sake of clear-- Figf2, is a reverse View of,r the machine shownin Fig. 1, showing-how the coincarrier is locked against operation when la, washer hasbeen deposited. Fig. v3, is a longitudinal View in crosssection approximate-ly on line 3 3 of Fig. 2, the lower portion of the casing being broken away. Fig.` Ll, is a transverse cross-sectionpn line 4- 1 ofl lf'jgi, is a'detzched faceyvew of the coin-carrier; and F ig. 6, isan edge view of the coin-carrier.

The particular machine shown for the sake of illustration in the drawings, comprises a main casing indicated as a whole by A, and a flat supplemental casing indicated as a whole by B. The maincasing A constitutes the goods-compartments, each of which is provided with a lid 1 hinged at 2 to the top ofthe casing- TheV flat supplemental casing B is removably attached to the front wall of4 the main casing` A and comprises a main casting 3, an inner cover plate 4 and an outer cover plate As best seen from Fig. 2, the inner face of the casting is formed with an irregularly shaped recess in whichvarious parts of the coin-controlled lock are mounted. The casting 3 is formed on top with two coin-entrance Vopenings 6 and 7, and at the bottom with a single coin-exit opening or passage 8. Between the coin-entrance openings 6 and V7 and the coin-exit passage S is a recess or which is operatively mounted the coin-car rier 10 whichconsists of a disk having opposite notches or recesses 11 for'receiving the deposited coin. It will be seen from Fig. 2 that both of the coin-entrance slots 6 and 7 lead to the coin-carrier 10.` The coin-carrier has affixed thereto a hub member 12 which is rotatably mounted in the casting 3, as clearly shown in Fig. 4:. A rotary knob 13 mounted at the front wall of the casing is operatively connected with the hub member 12 of the coin-carrier and thereby transmits motion to the latter. Any` suitable means may be provided for operating the coin-carrier 10 from the ,outside of the machine.

Associated with each lid of themachine is a movable locking member for normally holding the lid flocked. Inthe drawings, these two locking' members are shown at 14 and 15." These members are slidably mounted on the rear cover plate 4 of the supplemental casing B by means of pins 16 which engage in slots 17 formedin the locking members. Each locking member is provided with a rearward projection 18 and a forward projection 19.' The rearward pro- A heid the' Same iockeaa's best Shown in Fig.

3. The forward extension 19 of eahlocking member 14 and 15, is arrangeol` in alinement with the coin-entrance slots 6 and so as to project into the associated com-slot and obstruct the samewhen the locking member s in operated position. In this way the deposition of a coin is preventedwhen the associated magazine 1s empty, s0

as to protect an intending purchaser against the loSs of his coin. Each ofthe-locking members 14 and 15 is at its lower outerend provided with an extension 21 .which abuts against the pin 22 carried vby a locking slide' 23. A spring 24.v normally Vfor'cesfeach of the locking slides into uppermost or locking position. When thel locking vSlides are in their normal position, vthe locking members 14 and 15 are locked against outward movement-or in other words, they are locked in slots 25 (only one of which is shown.) in the rear cover plate 4. Each of the locking slides 23 is provided with a coin-engaging.. portion 26 which extends into the path of the coin onthe coin-carrier and is thereby adapted to be vforced downwardly into releasing position to draw the pi'n 22 out of alinementbwth the'extension 21 on the associated lid-locking member. '4 l The locking members 14 and 15 are operated into releasing position throughv the agency of the lever 27 pivoted at 28 onthe plate 4. At its lower end the lever 2 7 is formed with a forwardly extending lug 29 which projects through the arc-shapedl slot 29 in the plate 4 into alinement with the coin on the coin-carrier, as best shown in Fig. 3.- Thre upper end of the lever 27 eX- tends between the locking 'members 14 andi 15 in close proximity thereto, so that operation of said lever to one'side actuates one of the locking members, while actuation to the other side operates the other locking mem-` the coin-engaging surface 26 of the lockingV The operationof the coin-'controlled 'lock above described will now be clearly under-J stood and is as follows: Assuming the parts to be'in their normalv position, let us. say that a proper coin has been deposited in the coin-entrance slot 6. Referring to Fig. 2, letit be assumed for the moment that the' ring or washer W is a properjcoin. After [ghe coin has been deposited, the knob 13l is" urned in the,direction of the' coin-slot 6' (z'. e. counterclockwise as viewed the coin between the recess in the coin-carrier and slide 23. Upon further rotation of the coincarrier toward the left, the coin will force the locking slide 23 downwardly and thereby withdraw the locking pin 22 out o f4 en- I gagement with the shoulder orl extension 21 on the associated locking'fmember 14. As

#.rotation of the coin-carrier is continued, the

coin is vcarried against 'the 'forwardly eXTv with the portion 2O of the lid and allows the .80 l

latter to liy open under the action of a spring or of the upwardly projecting packf age-within the compartment. The coin is automatically discharged by the coin-'carrier from between the coin-engaging surface 26 of the locking slide 23 and the coin-engagj ing lug 29 on the ,lever 27, and falls intothe .i

coin-passage 8 wherel it is retainedby the bolt 30. Suitable locking mechanism L is pm vilded for normally. holding the 4bolt 30 in com-,retaining position and allowing the sameto bewithdrawn when a inserted in thelrey-opening 31. j

As soon as the o'nis forced frombetween *the locking` slide N23 and -thelever 27, as

9o ,A proper key is above described, the. spring A24 throws the slide. bachi-into uppermost or locking position. This brings the locking pin 22 against the inner surface 2l of -the shoulder 21 on lthe locking member, and thereby locks the The locking members 14 and 1.5.are restoredto normal 'l position through the following means: The 'casting .3 is provided at its upper end with latter `in operated position.

a pair of key-openings 32 into which extends each .of the locking members 14 and 15.

These lugs 33 -eXtend forwardly vthrough ,the lug 33 formed at the outer upper end of ranged in the path 0f movementv ofthe proj jection 37 formed on the locking slide 23.

When then locking slide 23 is inlowermostA position, the resetting member 35 rests on the shoulder38 formed in the casting `3.

y When the slide 23 is projected upwardly by the spring 24, the projection 37 engagesthe `projection-36l of the resetting member 35 and 1n Flg.

forces the .latterupwardly into va position indicated in dotted lines at theright of Fig. 2. When the resetting member 35 is in its uppermost position,-y the upper beveled end 35" thereof projects `in .the key-slot '132.

vWhen, therefore, theproper key Iis inserted into the slot)v or opening 32, it rst engages themember 35and forcesthe latter downwardly, thereby also' forcing the locking slide 23 downwardly a sufficient distance to disengage the locking pin 22 from the inner edge 21 of the shoulder 21 formed on the In other words, the first locking member. action/cf the lrey is to unlock the operated 33 of the locking member and the latter is,

v therefore, pushed inwardly into normal or lid-locking position.

The coin-controlled lock as above described does not in and of itself constitutev a part of our invention, it being the subjectmatter of the Kelly and Webster Patent No. 1,976,769, granted October 28, 1913, and we-have shown and described the vabove set forth lock in this case merely forthe salte of illustration and also to show how readily our new washer-catching mechanism can be applied to existing machines.

We will now describe the washer-catching mechanism which constitutes our present invention. The casting 3 is formed with an outer chamber 39 in which is pivotally or swingingly mounted a pair of pawls 40 and 41.L There are two pawls' shown in the drawings because'the machine to which our invention is applied, is a two-compartment machine. For a single-compartment machine only one pawl would be needed. Each of the pawls 40 and 41 is provided with a rearwardly projecting vhead 42 which extends through a slot 43 in the main wall of the casting 3, as best shown in F ig. 3. Suitable means, suoli 'as the spring blade 44, is provided for normally forcing the upper ends ofthe pawls 40 and 41 into the chamber 9 where the coin-carrier operates., The spring 44 is conveniently iii/ed to the casting 3 at the point 45 in any suitable way, whichv leaves the opposite ends of the spring blade free to act upon the pawls 40 and 41. As

seen from'Figs. land 2, the pawls 4() and 41 are arranged. on opposite sides of the coincarrier 10, but at unequal distances there- 7 from. In other words, the pawl 40 is nearer to the axis of rotation of the coin-carrier than the pawl 41, This is perhaps best indi- Y cated in Fig. 5 wherethe pawls are diagiamniatically represented in dotted 'lines.

The reason for this arrangement of the pawls 1s to allow free rotation of the coincarrier in either direction by repressing the n pawls through the medium of oppositely ai ranged inclined surfaces on the front face of the coin-carrier. These inclined surfaces are best shown' in-Figs. 5 and 6. There are two sets of these surfaces-' an outer set numi bered 46,47, 48 and 49, and an inner set numbered 50, 51,52 and 53. The outer set of inclined surfaces is adapted to engage the outer pawl 41, while the inner surfaces are arranged to engage the .inner'pawl 40. The diametrically oppositeouter surfaces 46 and 48, and the diametrically opposite inner surdiametrically opposite inner surfaces 50 and incline outwardly, from the coin-carrier and terminate each in a lug 54.

It will thus be noted that the two sets of inclined surfaces are beveled reversely with Arespect to each other, whereby the inner set of surfaces serves to repress the pawl,40

when the coin-carrier is rotated in one direction, while the outer set of surfaces re presses the pawl 4l when the coin-carrier is rotated in the opposite direction. Ve can perhaps best follow the action of the inclined surfaces on their respective pawls by reference to Fi g. 5. If we imagine the coincarrier rotated in the direction of the arrow a, it will be clear that the outer set of surfaces approaches the outer pawl 41 from below-that is to say, in the direction of the beveled under surface on the head of the pawl. Therefore, the projections 54v of the surfaces '47 and 49 repress the pawl for# wardly. At the same time, the inner in-v clined surfaces 51, 50, 53 and 52 approach the pawl 40 head on and cause it to ride over thesame. lVhen the direction'of rotation of the coin-carrier is reversed (i. e. in the direction of thearrow bin Fig. 5), the inner set of surfaces approaches the pawl 40 from below, so that the inner projections 54 force this pawl out of their path of movement, while the outer set of surfaces approaches the outer pawl 41 `head on and causes the same to ride over the inclined surfaces 49, 46, 47 land 48. In'this way, it will be clear that the pawls 40 and 41 do 'not interfere with'the rotation of the coin-carrier in eitherI direction, whether it is empty or carries a coin. However, when the deposited check is a washer or ring, one or the other of the two pawls will snap into the openingof the washer or ring as soon as the same comes into alinement with the .not sufiicient to move the locking slides 23 to releasing position. Furthermore, when the pawl interlocks with the washer, the position of the washer is such that the coin-- carrier is Vfree to be rotated in the reverse direction to carry the washer back into the coin-slot and project the same out of the slot sufficiently to permit its removal by hand. n

If only one pawl is used, as in a singleof course, have but one set of inclined surcompartment machine, the coin-carrier will,

faces. l

It 'Wlll be seen that our new form of Washer-catching device is'exceedingly simplein construction and at the same time effecti've in operation. As the pawls are housed lWithin the recess o r chamber 39, their presence does not add'fto the dimensions of Ithe machine.

Although We have .herein set forth a specific form of our invention We Would have it understood that We -do not intend to.

.be limited'tothe details herein set forth and Letters, Patent ofthe United` States, is:

1. 'In a coin-controlled lock havingv a. coin-chute for receiving the deposited coin, the combination with a coin-carrier. movable within said coin-chute for conveying. the deposited `coin into 'operative position,- of a yieldable pavvl arranged to project nor- A Inally .into said chute but adapted to be ,frep'ressed by a good allovvs'said y n coin on the carrier,.so that a` ringor Washer on said com-carrier paWl to enter the opening thereof, whereby the coin-carrier is locked against further movement, and means on'said coincarrier to repress saidv pavvl for permitting free operation of the empty carrier in either dlrection.

2. Ina coin-controlled-machine, a coincarrier rotatable in ,opposite directions, la

coin-carrier to lock the same against rotation in eitherj'direction. by entering-the opening of a ring `Orvfszasher on said coin-carrier,` and l good coin.

'ject into the oppositely beveled'surfaces provided on saidcoin-carrier for engaging said `members 'and movlng them inte inoperative position Whenf thev com-carrier is rotatedv empty or withal 3. In a coin-controlledmachine, a coincarrier rotatable in opposite--- direction's,i a pairof members on opposite sides of said ycom-"carrier to l lock the same' against rotain either direction by entering the open` VA V on said coin-carrier, a1`1d-1 `nfeans olisaid coin-carrier to' repress Sadfmembersfor permitting free operation the 'coincarrier in either direction whenl l proper coin. fl. In ahem-controlledmach1ne,'a movable com-carrier, a movablepawl adapted to prof opening of a ring or Washerl on said coin-carrier and thereby positively.-

' stop said carrier against -further operation,

and means on saidcoin-carrier tc move saidy p awl'mto inoperative positlon when the carrier 1s empty. v

v.coin-slot. y .i n a coin-controlled machine, a' casing*v l` '5. In a coin-controlled machine, a casing having a coin-slot or passage, a rotatable coin-carrier, a yieldable member supported at one end and provided at its ,other or Washer on said coin-carrier, said-head hav- Y ing a` beveled surface andan abrupt surface so arranged'tha't said abrupt surface un'- Washer and vthereby positively locks vsaid Washer and coin-carrier against forward movement, said beveled surface permitting removal of the inserted-Washerv through said Vyieldingly engages 4the inner edge of the having a com-slot orpassage, a rotatable coin-carrierg'an upwardly extending yieldable member supportedjat itsl lower end'anclf providedat its upper or free end with ahead projecting normally into said coinslot or passage, whereby said head is' adapted toenter the opening of a Washerv on sald coincarrier, said headha'ving a beveledsurface and an abrupt surface so arranged'y that-said' abrupt surfacezunyieldingly engages the inner edge of the Washerband' thereby positively locks said `Washer and' i coin-carrier againstforward movement, said beveled'surface permitting removal. of thefffinserted Washer through said coin-slot. i

In a coin-controlled machine, a coincarrier rotatable in opposite directions from its normal position, a pair of members on opposite sides of sa'id com-carrier to 'lock the same against rotation in'eitln-er direction by ventering the opening of. a rlng or Washer pair of' members on opposlte sidesof said-" on. said 'coin-carrier, and means whereby .either'of said pawls is moved into inoperative position When the carrier is rotated4 into said coin-slot or passage, head is adapted to enter the Washer on said coin-carrier, said head having a'beveled surface and an so arrangedthat said abrupt surface un- Whereby 'said' v yieldillgly engages 'the inner edge of the Washer and thereby positively locks said Washer and coin-carrier against forivarda-casing having a com-slot or passage, a coin-carrier Within the machine, a yieldable member supported at one end and provided at its other or free end With. a head projecting normally opening of a" abrupt surface f l movement, said beveled surface permitting -reverse rotation ofthe coin-carrier for the removal of the inserted Washer .through said coin-slot, and a hand-operable member mounted on .the front Wallof said casmgfor operating said coin-carrier.

9. In acoin-controlled machine, a casing having a coin-slot or passage, a coin-carrier normally free to rotate in a direction to carry the deposited coin into operative position Within the machine, an `upwardly extending yieldable member supported at its i lower end and provided at its upper or free end lWitha' head projecting normally into .said coin-slot or passage, whereby said head is adapted to enter the Aopening of a Washer on said coin-carrier, said headjhaving a beveled surface and an abrupt surface so varranged that said abrupt surface unyield-y ingly engages the inner edge of the Washer and thereby positively locks said Washer and 'ALBERT n. GRovER.

Subscribed October 23d, 1915.

EARL E. BARBER..

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patente,

Washington, D. C. 

